Geekazine

Jeffrey Powers
  • 4.1 (7)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY
Geekazine

Your Geek, Your Tech. Consumer technology, Enterprise tech, to music technology. As a fellow geek, I try to get the information that matters to you. Got a question - simply tweet me @geekazine. Follow on Facebook, YouTube, and more. #geekout

  1. 2D AGO · VIDEO

    This Powerful Mobile Hardware Video Switcher – Magewell Director One

    Make a Logo on FiverrLast Updated on April 27, 2025 5:04 pm by Jeffrey Powers When I was at CES, I created content on an all-in-one Hardware Video Switcher from Magewell. The design was nice, but small, and missed a couple key factors. So Magewell decided to fix that with the Director One – a larger All-in-one live production and streaming system. What’s in the Magewell Director One This is an all in one switcher, so you can bring up to 7 video sources in. These can be (2) HDMI, (2) USB, or many network protocols like NDI, RTMP, RTSP, and SRT. You also have the option to bring in an iPhone camera through the Director Utility. Main Features The Director One has a 7 inch screen, with an 800 NIT brightness. The unit also contains an SD card slot, SIM slot (for 4G connection), 1 GB Ethernet, Audio in/out, 2 battery bays, and 3-1/4 inch tripod mount screws for mounting the unit. HD to Vertical Video The unit can also be setup for a HD stream/record, or turn the unit 90 degrees and produce a vertical video event. Simply setup a show through the Show List option. Streaming or Recording The switcher also has multiple ways to stream or record video through RTMP, SRT, NDI, USB, and HDMI. The device can record and stream, as well as record 2 cameras at the same time (ISO recording). Create Scenes to Switch With these 7 sources, you can create individual scenes, Supersources, and more. Graphics can also be added to individual scenes, or through the separate SFX section. With my CES action, I had 4 scenes set up. Header image, Camera 1 (for interviews), camera 2 (for product), and a split between the cameras. Add More Graphics, Telestration With the SFX section, you can bring in titles and lower 3rds as overlays whenever you need them. The Telestrator allows you to draw on the screen to describe events or create replay shots. If you are recording live sports, you can add a scoreboard to manage as the game progresses. PTZ Camera Options If you connect a PTZ camera, you may be able to control the camera through the app, using web based controls. Wireless Connection Options On the top of the unit are 2 WIFI and 2 4G antenna. The Director One can connect via Ethernet, through WIFI, Bluetooth (for the utility), and a SIM card option. You can also tether your network from another LTE or 5G source. Director One as a Hotspot Turning on the hotspot allows for connections to come in without affecting the Internet connection. In one instance, I used NDI to transmit the computer desktop to the unit, while the NDI cameras could go through the WIFI or Ethernet connections. Bonding Connections With two connections,

    39 min

  2. APR 16 · VIDEO

    Fun LED Lighting with this LePro TB1 AI Smart Light

    Make a Logo on FiverrLast Updated on April 16, 2025 12:31 pm by Jeffrey Powers When it comes to desktop lighting, there’s basic—and then there’s designer. The LePro TB1 AI Smart LED Table Lamp lands firmly in the latter category, merging addressable RGB+IC lighting with AI-powered mood adaptation, all inside a design that looks like it came straight from a sci-fi movie set. The LePro TB1 At first glance, the TB1 resembles a sleek gyroscope. Though it doesn’t spin on its own, the three concentric LED rings can be manually adjusted and flattened into a wide ring light or angled for a more dimensional glow. The TB1 has 196 addressable LEDs, each capable of independent color control. You can adjust those via the LePro app. AI Integration Whether using the app, Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, You can literally tell it what to do. “Change to reading Lamp” will do just that – a light that is great for cozying up with a good book. Speaking the prompt other than “Blue, 70%” will give you many more options for the lamp. Making things neutral, or giving your room a little flavor whenever you need it. Price and Availability The TB1 is available now for $75.99. Check it out at https://geni.us/leproaismartled (affiliate link) Or get it at LePro There’s even a music note-shaped sibling model for those wanting a more stationary desk accent. And LePro has many types of strip lights, table lamps, and more to completely automate your whole house.

    10 min

  3. APR 13 · VIDEO

    Make an Action Figure and More Using ChatGPT

    Make a Logo on FiverrLast Updated on April 13, 2025 4:07 pm by Jeffrey Powers You’ve probably scrolled past a post on social media where someone transformed their face into a boxed action figure—and thought, “How did they do that?” The answer: AI. Specifically, ChatGPT 4.0 with vision capabilities. The idea of turning yourself into an action figure may sound like a complex, high-budget task, but it’s surprisingly simple with the right tools and prompts. With a bit of creativity, a solid photo, and some specific directions, you can create everything from a YouTube influencer figure to a superhero cover straight out of a vintage comic book. It Starts With a Selfie The process begins with a clean, front-facing photo—ideally in front of a plain background. If you can fix it in a photo editor, it will help with the overall look if GPT doesn’t have to analyze too much. Give your photo a name you can use (like jeff.png), then upload it into ChatGPT. If you have other photos or even logos, you can tell the prompt which photo to reference. How ChatGPT Processes the Image Keep in mind, it’s not going to be 100% accurate. This AI will see the image as “a person with”. In my case, it’s “An older man with glasses and a long beard”. The Prompt Is the Blueprint Since GPT sees an image and creates a description, so the magic happens in how you create your prompt. One well-written paragraph can define your face, outfit, accessories, pose, packaging, and even the background environment. Take that prompt to the limit – which I don’t believe there is one. The more detail, the better. The Prompt for My Action Figure I put this together with the help of Owen Hemsath’s prompt. The one thing missing was the logo – which I wanted to test if you could separate images. This is the prompt I used: Please create an image of an action figure in it's packaging. The package should be labeled "Your Geek: #Geekout" Use the attached photo (jeff.png) as a reference for his face. He is 210 pounds five foot 11 inches and 16 percent body fat. Dress the person in light blue jeans, an untucked- grey fitted polo shirt with the logo (logo.png) on the left-breast of the shirt, and blue-grey New Balance style shoes. The packaging should include the logo on the bottom-right corner, and a dedicated section which contains the following items: A PTZ camera, an Apple-style iPad, a microphone, a bottle of water, and a coffee cup with the logo. Make the overall design visually appealing and reflective of a modern, high-end office professional. Only use the attached photo as a reference for the face. Do not include an image of the character on the packaging. After the Render – Making Yourself Into Other Types of Dolls Once the standard figure is complete, you can use the prompt to make adjustments, or start making other things. What if you were a Cabbage Patch Kid?

    41 min

  4. APR 6 · VIDEO

    The First PTZR Camera? OBSBOT Tail 2

    Make a Logo on FiverrLast Updated on April 9, 2025 9:15 am by Jeffrey Powers The OBSBOT Tail 2 has arrived, and it’s making waves with an innovative twist on PTZR camera technology. But what is the “R” in PTZR, and why is this camera changing the game with it’s AI camera? What is PTZR? https://media.giphy.com/media/PBWh5IfqffyixcmTs6/giphy.gif Traditional PTZ cameras allow for pan, tilt, and zoom functions, giving users a dynamic range of motion. But with a PTZR camera, you add a new level of movement within the lens – a horizon stabilization. There have been a couple other cameras that have been able to rotate the lens digitally, but OBSBOT Tiny 2 is the first to actually put a rotating lens inside the enclosure. With this, you can go from landscape to vertical mode and back with the push of a button. It also adds the ability to keep your shots level when your camera tripod is not on an even surface. Impressive Camera Capabilities The OBSBOT Tail 2 also packs impressive camera specs. Sporting a 1/1.5” CMOS sensor with 50 million effective pixels, the camera captures 4K video with stunning clarity. The 12x hybrid zoom (5x optical) combines optical and digital capabilities, providing magnification from 20-30 feet away while maintaining sharpness. Connections to All In addition to high-quality video, the Tail 2 offers multiple connectivity options including HDMI, SDI, and NDI, making it suitable for both casual and professional use. The integrated AI chip performs trillions of calculations per second, delivering smooth tracking and object recognition. Whether you’re streaming live, recording a performance, or capturing nature footage, the OBSBOT Tail 2 adapts to your needs with ease. PoE Networking Power can be achieved via USB power, or through Power over Ethernet (PoE). This allows for one cable connected to the camera. Networking Streaming Protocols Including SRT This OBSBOT camera also will stream to Facebook, YouTube, and more. The Tail 2 can send video out via NDI (with license), SRT, RTMP, or RTSP. Therefore, if you want to send out your video to a studio, simply set up the camera, use the app to configure, and broadcast. AI and Smart Features The AI capabilities of the OBSBOT Tail 2 can differentiate between people and objects, offering specialized tracking modes. I even got it to track a guitar neck, rather than the person itself. Remembering the Object In the video, you can see how when I set the AI for one person, if someone passes in front, it will understand and wait for the the tagged person to show back up. Add Gestures Gesture control allows for easy management without needing to touch the camera, a feature that’s especially handy during live performances or presentations. You can start or stop tracking with a simple hand gesture, zoom in or out, and switch between modes seamlessly. Battery

    17 min

  5. MAR 31 · VIDEO

    From Outdated to Outstanding: Pianoverse will Breathe New Life into Your Keyboards

    Make a Logo on FiverrLast Updated on March 30, 2025 7:08 pm by Jeffrey Powers It’s time to give your keyboard a new lease on life and make it sound like you’re actually playing a Grand Piano. Pianoverse is here to transform your outdated equipment into a sonic powerhouse. In this video, we are checking out the Grand Piano Y7 – Based on the Yamaha Grand Y7. I’ll go through the settings, the spaces, what keyboard I’m using, and the pros and cons of using this software. Make Your Old Keyboard Feel Brand New I’ll start with saying I am a drummer over a keyboard player, but I’ve been really working on playing some covers for a project. I use the Keystation 88 for my keyboard – it relies on the computer to produce sounds. And even though the Grand Pianos in Logic Pro are satisfactory in practice, having something sounding more like a real piano is important for recording. Meticulously Recorded Sounds IK Multimedia recorded all piano sounds in a studio in Italy. The goal was to have these pianos with a pristine sound to them so you could start with a sound that is perfect to begin with. A Piano for Every Mood Pianoverse is not just a single keyboard – it’s a series of modeled grand pianos and upright pianos for the sound you’re looking for. The sound modeling is incredibly detailed, capturing nuances such as pedal noise, hammer strikes, and room resonance. With options to place your virtual piano in a cathedral, club, or even a desert, Pianoverse offers a versatile soundscape that adapts to your creative needs. Simple Setup, Powerful Customization You might think revamping your keyboard’s sound would be complicated, but Pianoverse keeps things straightforward. Installation is pretty straightforward, and once set up, you have control over multiple aspects of the sound. Adjust reverb, tone, attack, and more with intuitive sliders and dials. Plus, Pianoverse integrates seamlessly with major DAWs like Logic Pro and GarageBand, or you can run it as a standalone application. Change the Space Of course, with the piano tuned to your liking, you can put it in different environments that will match what you are trying to envision. Put it in a concert hall for a more spacious sound, a Jazz club to give it a retro vibe, a studio for a flatter sound, and many more environments to choose from. Take Your Piano to the Forest, or an Iceberg The spaces include some interesting environments. A Hall of mirrors, the Coliseum in Rome, in the middle of the forest, the desert, or on an Iceberg are some of the options. Places where a high-priced piano won’t really fair if it was moved there. With these interesting spaces, you can get a lot of environmental sounds that would be present if you were actually in the desert or the forest. All these factors you can also adjust to get the right balance of music vs. cicadas (in the forest). Why Pianoverse Stands Out

    31 min

  6. MAR 13 · VIDEO

    How Regal Cinemas ScreenX Technology REALLY Failed!

    Make a Logo on FiverrLast Updated on March 13, 2025 2:12 pm by Jeffrey Powers When you pay extra for an immersive cinematic experience, you expect to be wowed. Regal Cinemas’ ScreenX technology promises a groundbreaking, panoramic movie experience that extends visuals beyond the main screen to the sidewalls of the theater. However, as this moviegoer recently discovered, this technology doesn’t always deliver on its promises—and that’s not the worst part! What is ScreenX ScreenX was designed as an alternative to IMAX and 4Dx, boasting an extended field of vision to make viewers feel like they are inside the movie. Unlike traditional widescreens, ScreenX uses additional projectors to display footage on the theater’s side walls, theoretically creating an immersive, wraparound effect. All this for a premium price—often $10 to $15 more per ticket. The Reality: A Technical Mess The first major issue was the inconsistent use of the peripheral screens. The side projections weren’t active throughout the entire movie, leading to abrupt shifts in brightness and immersion. One moment, the side screens would be displaying content, enhancing the action. The next, they would abruptly turn off, leaving only the center screen illuminated. But the real disaster? The side projections went out of sync. One side would delay, then the other side, followed by both screens shutting off for a minute, then turning back on in sync (only to repeat the process). The result was an utterly disorienting mess, making it impossible to stay engaged with the film. and I don’t know if the side screens shut off by design, or if it was trying to correct itself. All I know is instead of enhancing the movie, ScreenX became a malfunctioning distraction. Regal’s Response: Nothing Technical failures happen, but the real disappointment came after the movie ended. Despite paying a premium for a technology that didn’t work, no theater staff acknowledged the failure. There was no notice before the screening, no attempt to explain or apologize, and worst of all, no one available to address complaints after the movie ended. A Nostalgic Look Back at Better Customer Service Movie theaters have historically been more responsive to customer issues. Back in the era of film reels, if a projection broke mid-movie, theaters would often be at hand, giving you a free pass. Even modern streaming services like Amazon recognize technical hiccups, sometimes issuing automatic credits. So Is ScreenX Worth It? If this experience is any indication, the answer is a hard no. The peripheral extension was OK, but if I had a choice between IMAX, 3D, 4Dx, ScreenX, or just watching the movie without enhancements, I think the ScreenX experience will most likely be my last option. Regal Cinemas had a chance to impress with innovative technology, but instead, they’ve delivered an overpriced, glitch-ridden experience—without even the courtesy of customer service to make things right. Would you give ScreenX another chance?

    16 min

  7. MAR 6 · VIDEO

    Turn Your iPhone into a Cinematic Camera with ShiftCam LensUltra

    Make a Logo on FiverrLast Updated on March 13, 2025 2:14 pm by Jeffrey Powers If you’ve ever wanted to take your iPhone’s camera to the next level, ShiftCam has a solution for you. The company’s Lens Ultra system transforms your smartphone into a powerful cinematic tool, bringing professional-grade lenses to your pocket. Whether you’re rocking an iPhone 12 or gearing up for the latest iPhone 16, ShiftCam’s modular lens and case system ensures you’ll capture stunning visuals with ease. Get Shiftcam LensUltra at Amazon * A Full Cinematic Kit for Your iPhone ShiftCam isn’t just about slapping a lens onto your phone. The Lens Ultra system includes a durable camera case with an S-mount system, ensuring a snug and protective fit. The case works with multiple iPhone models, and as new phones emerge, you can simply upgrade the case while keeping your premium lenses. Two of the standout lenses in the ShiftCam lineup include the 60mm telephoto lens and the 1.33X anamorphic lens. The 60mm telephoto lens allows you to zoom in for crisp, detailed shots without sacrificing image quality. Meanwhile, the anamorphic lens offers a cinematic, widescreen aspect ratio, making your footage feel straight out of a Hollywood film. Built for Content Creators The ShiftCam system is designed for those who take mobile videography seriously. With metal reinforcements on the case to protect your lenses, an easy snap-on mechanism, and rubber grips for a secure fit, you can swap out lenses effortlessly while shooting. Whether you’re vlogging, filming a short film, or capturing high-quality social media content, ShiftCam’s system is a game-changer. The modularity doesn’t stop at lenses. ShiftCam offers additional accessories like LED lights, external drives, and premium camera bags, making it easy to build a full-fledged mobile studio. Add in an advanced camera app, and you have manual controls over focus, exposure, and zoom—giving you the flexibility to fine-tune every shot. Ready to Elevate Your Mobile Photography? With the rise of mobile filmmaking and even Netflix accepting iPhone-shot content, there’s never been a better time to upgrade your smartphone setup. The ShiftCam Lens Ultra system proves that high-quality content doesn’t require a massive camera rig—just a well-equipped iPhone. Get the Lenses at Amazon (*affiliate)

    13 min

  8. FEB 17 · VIDEO

    Shokz OpenMeet UC: The Bone Conduction Headset for Office Pros!

    Make a Logo on FiverrLast Updated on March 13, 2025 2:15 pm by Jeffrey Powers Shokz has long been at the forefront of bone conduction technology, ever since I saw them at CES 2009. They offer an innovative audio solution of bone conduction, which keeps ears open while delivering clear sound. The OpenMeet UC continues this legacy, designed specifically for professionals who spend their days in meetings, calls, and virtual collaboration. With other offerings like the OpenComm 2 UC and the OpenFit 2, OpenMeet UC adds another strong option to Shokz’s expanding lineup. Get the OpenMeet UC Here* A Design for the Workplace Shokz is known for its lightweight, wraparound headsets, but the OpenMeet UC breaks from tradition with an over the head-style design. I first saw the headset at CES 2025, and am excited to test the pair. Unlike previous models that loop behind the head, this headset rests on top, making it more suitable for professional settings. The adjustable boom mic ensures clear voice transmission, and a mute button is affixed on the boom to mute your voice so you can curate the conversation. For added versatility, it comes with the optional Loop 120 USB adapter, allowing for a stable wireless connection beyond standard Bluetooth. This feature is ideal for users who need low-latency, interference-free audio during critical calls. Why Bone Conduction is Perfect for Office Use Unlike traditional headphones that cover or plug into your ears, bone conduction transmits sound through vibrations to your inner ear. This means you can clearly hear conversations without blocking out your environment, making it easier to stay engaged with colleagues or respond to in-office situations without constantly removing your headset. Additionally, because it doesn’t rely on ear cups or in-ear buds, the OpenMeet UC eliminates ear fatigue, making it comfortable for long hours of wear—something professionals will appreciate after a full day of meetings. Shokz OpenMeet UC: Key Features * Bone conduction audio: Clear sound without blocking your ears * Bluetooth 5.0 + Loop 120 USB adapter: Strong wireless connectivity with multipoint pairing * 15-hour battery life: Lasts all day on a single charge * Dedicated mute button: Quick mic control for professional calls * Ergonomic and lightweight design: Soft padding and adjustable fit for comfort * Multipoint connectivity: Seamlessly switch between multiple devices In the Video I unbox, try on,

    14 min
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    About

    Your Geek, Your Tech. Consumer technology, Enterprise tech, to music technology. As a fellow geek, I try to get the information that matters to you. Got a question - simply tweet me @geekazine. Follow on Facebook, YouTube, and more. #geekout

    Information

    • Creator
      Jeffrey Powers
    • Years Active
      2007 - 2025
    • Episodes
      16
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2024 Geekazine.com
    • Show Website
      Geekazine

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